PIERRE, SD- South Dakota beef producers recently traveled to New York for the first part of an educational partnership between New York Beef Council and the South Dakota beef checkoff. Mike Maher, Isabel, SD and Eric Sumption, Frederick, SD shared our beef story and answered consumer questions on modern beef production practices. "We couldn't be happier with the outcome" stated Sumption, "They want to know where their food comes from and how it was raised. They were amazed at our numbers and surprised when we shared that our cattle are handled no differently than those raised in the smaller operations of the Northeast." Both Maher and Sumption felt the tour was a great opportunity to reach a large consumer audience and would like to see this event continue on a yearly basis.
Next week, South Dakota will shift roles and become host as the New York Beef Council executive director, Jean O'Toole and New York Blogger, Kita Roberts, travel west to tour several operations in our state. Roberts is a professional freelance photographer and writer and the creator behind the fun food and travel site, PasstheSushi.com and home for all things savory, GirlCarnivore.com. She has been whipping up recipes since 2010 online, is a Char-Broil AllStar, Lambassedor, self-proclaimed Burger Queen, and recurring guest judge at the Delaware Burger Battle. When she is not in the kitchen, she is kicking up dust on trails looking for the next wild hands on adventure from around the world. Capturing authentic moments from behind her lens and sharing those skills and stories with others is what fuels her creative drive.
"We are always looking for new ways to reach our consumers, stated SDBIC executive director Suzy Geppert. "Kita provides us a great opportunity to reach over a hundred thousand consumers all over the world just through her social reach alone."
For more information on state to state partnerships and the upcoming tours contact Suzy Geppert at [email protected] or call (605) 224-4722.
